What was once a dedicated place for South Korea’s president and welcome reception for world leaders, Cheong Wa Dae, commonly known as the Blue House, now opens its doors to the public. The former presidential residence has been home to the country’s past leaders from 1948 to 2022. But when President Yoon Suk-yeol began his governance last year, he decided to move his office to the Defence Ministry Building in Yongsan District to make his leadership closer to the Korean people.
The Blue House and the map of the former presidential compound
A year since its public opening, the Blue House has been visited by thousands of tourists, local and international, and hosted events such as the concert of veteran K-pop superstar Rain. It also became a refuge for people seeking respite from the fast-paced world of Seoul thanks to its many pristine landscape and idyllic gardens.
Through the Korea Tourism Organization Manila, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle got a chance to tour the historic compound and see the beauty of one of South Korea’s symbols of power and governance.
Inside the Main Building
Our tour began at the Main Gate of the compound where we claimed our passes. Entering the Blue House is free, but reservations are needed. Once we got past the Main Gate and the security checks, we got our first glimpse of the residence's Main Building. The structure boasts Korea’s traditional architecture with over 150.000 blue tiles that make its roof, hence, the Blue House moniker. According to reports, the blue tiles were baked individually to make them strong enough to last for hundreds of years. The blue tone of the Main Building’s roof perfectly complements its picturesque background of Bugaksan Mountain. The Main Building formerly served as the reception hall for foreign diplomats.
Unlike the facade of the Main Building, with its cool tones of blue and white, its interior is warm and earthy. As we go through its doors, we are welcomed by its staircase lit by a grand antique chandelier. Its high ceiling, which features a traditional checkered design seen in temples, is supported by large columns much like the ones in Korean traditional buildings or hanok.
The Office of the President and Reception Hall
The Main Building also features a hall presenting portraits of the country’s past leaders, as well as the Office of the President and Reception Hall, both filled with gold ornaments.
Apart from the Main Building, The Blue House is also comprised of Yeongbingwan Hall for official gatherings and events and the Chilgung Shrine, which houses the ancestral tablets of royal concubines. Our tour continued at the Presidential Residence, which is surrounded by a traditional-style garden. There, we got to see from the outside the living spaces of South Korea’s past first families, from their kitchen and beauty salon to their family room.
Exterior of the Presidential Residence
The Blue House is also home to various gardens. The most spectacular one is the Nokjwon Garden. It has over 120 species of trees as well as commemorative trees planted by former presidents. But its most notable ones are the 170-year-old umbrella pine tree and three Korean red pine trees.
Idyllic views at the Nokjiwon Garden
To make the tour at the Blue House more friendly to visitors, the compound has various restrooms, water refilling stations, and breastfeeding rooms as well as wheelchairs and baby carriages for touring families to use.
As a new cultural destination in South Korea, the Blue House is a perfect spot for anyone looking to discover more about the country’s history and the beauty of its ancient architecture.
The Blue House is located at Cheongwadae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul. To know more about it, visit www.opencheongwadae.kr.
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